Tag Archives: Shellfish

Cost of Climate Change

A billion tidal creatures likely baked to death

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The ecological devastation of B.C.’s recent heat wave is just starting to be understood after record temperatures paired with low tides wreaked havoc along the West Coast.

More than one billion marine intertidal animals may have perished along the shores of the Salish Sea during the record temperatures at the end of June, said University of British Columbia researcher Chris Harley.

Continue reading A billion tidal creatures likely baked to death →
History, Rivers & Oceans

Paul Kirmmse remembers Cortes Island in 1971

1 Comment

Born in New York, he chose Canada. Another two years passed before he arrived on a remote island off the West Coast. Paul Kirmmse remembers Cortes Island in 1971.

“I originally came here in January of ’71, looking for land. A guy gave me a job for the summer, beginning in April, serving coffee to the fishers and the loggers. There was a little cafe just above Mansons Lagoon, across from what used to be the Barton store – which I understand is now the Cortes Island Museum. It was dragged up the road and put in place to become the museum,” he says.  

Continue reading Paul Kirmmse remembers Cortes Island in 1971 →
Rivers & Oceans

Cleaning up shellfish growing areas on Cortes and East Redonda Islands

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is cleaning up some of the shellfish growing areas in our area.

Erik Lyon, of Rising Tide Shellfish, believes the clean-ups may be connected to the fact aquaculture licenses in this area will come up for renewal in 2025

DFO has not yet returned Cortes Currents initial query, but Lyon is working on extensive clean-ups on Cortes and East Redonda Islands. 

Continue reading Cleaning up shellfish growing areas on Cortes and East Redonda Islands →
Rivers & Oceans

Scallops are for sale on Cortes Island

Scallops are for sale on Cortes Island

Yesterday morning, Erik Lyon, of Rising Tide Shellfish reported, “For the first time, this morning we will be selling scallops off the dock. While supplies last, there will be scallops available at the Gorge Harbour store. Tell all your friends. We’ve got a quarter million of them, so there is plenty to go around.” 

Continue reading Scallops are for sale on Cortes Island →
Rivers & Oceans

Cortes Island’s #1 Industry is back

When British Columbian restaurants closed their doors last March, they virtually shut down Cortes Island’s #1 industry. Though sales are still below pre-COVID levels, the shellfish sector is coming back. 

Continue reading Cortes Island’s #1 Industry is back →